A Banca do Guarda

The song 'A Banca do Guarda' by Marchinhas de Carnaval is a playful yet pointed critique of authority figures, specifically the police. The lyrics revolve around a conversation with a guard who admits to arresting people indiscriminately when there are no actual criminals to apprehend. This whimsical narrative is delivered through repetitive and catchy phrases, typical of carnival songs, which are designed to be easily remembered and sung by large crowds during the festive season.

The chorus, 'Um guarda me falou, zum, zum,' repeated multiple times, emphasizes the absurdity of the guard's actions. The phrase 'passa a mão em qualquer um' suggests that the guard will arrest anyone at random, highlighting a sense of injustice and misuse of power. This critique is wrapped in a light-hearted tone, making it more palatable and engaging for listeners, which is a hallmark of carnival music.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator pleads with the guard to 'deixa isso pra lá' (let it go) and not to arrest him, asserting his identity as a samba enthusiast rather than a troublemaker. The lines 'Sou do samba rasgado / E o senhor sabe disso' underline the cultural significance of samba and carnival, suggesting that the guard should recognize and respect this tradition. The narrator's declaration that he is 'da batucada' (of the drumming) rather than 'de briga' (of fighting) further reinforces the idea that carnival is a time for joy and music, not conflict and oppression.

The song cleverly uses humor and repetition to address serious issues of authority and justice, making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece within the carnival repertoire.